Police in the Sovereign Base Areas have made ten arrests on charges ranging from drug offences to cigarette smuggling during a month-long crackdown on illegal Easter firecrackers, with more operations planned before Greek Orthodox Easter in less than a fortnight.
The arrests came as a byproduct of seven joint operations run since mid-February alongside the Cyprus Police, the United Nations, and His Majesty’s Customs and Immigration.
No Easter firecrackers have been seized, but officers made arrests for what police described as “various types of criminality” — including drugs, traffic violations, and unaccustomed goods, largely cigarettes and tobacco. Cyprus Police initiated three cases of their own.
Temporary Superintendent Marcos Petrou, who oversaw the Dhekelia operations, said the cross-border smuggling route had been a recurring concern.
“In years gone by, we have also seen these illegal fireworks smuggled over the crossing points from the Turkish Controlled Areas,” he said, adding that the partnership approach had closed off that avenue. “The results show it’s working.”
In the Akrotiri Division, Temporary Chief Inspector Tony Demetriou warned that the Easter period stretches policing resources on both sides of the island.
“Youth criminality and anti-social behaviour are recurring issues that can escalate quickly if not addressed through a well-structured and proactive strategy,” he said.
Beyond enforcement, officers have visited schools across both SBAs to warn children about the dangers of setting off firecrackers. Community leaders have also been briefed to ensure Easter bonfires are registered with police, with materials and locations agreed in advance.
“We understand that this is a custom but times change and safety must come first,” Petrou said. “We want people to enjoy themselves at this important time of the year, but safety remains the most important thing.”
